From FCC and CE testing to global type approval—how a coordinated compliance strategy can simplify international market access.
One question I frequently hear when speaking with manufacturers planning to expand internationally is:
“Our product is already FCC certified and CE compliant. Can we use those approvals to sell in other countries?”
My response is usually: “Your existing compliance documentation is a great starting point, but it doesn't automatically mean your product is approved for sale worldwide.”
Many manufacturers invest significant time and resources into FCC testing and CE compliance, only to discover that additional global type approval, product homologation, or country-specific certification may still be required.
The good news? Existing test reports may provide much of the technical evidence needed for international certification.
For manufacturers still developing their products, planning for global requirements during the initial FCC and CE testing phase may also help avoid unnecessary retesting later.
Why Are Additional Global Type Approvals Required?
FCC equipment authorization addresses applicable U.S. requirements, while CE marking demonstrates conformity with relevant European Union legislation.
However, many countries have their own certification requirements for wireless, telecommunications, and electronic products.
Examples include:
|
Country |
Regulatory Authority / Certification |
|
Brazil |
ANATEL certification and homologation |
|
Mexico |
CRT type approval and homologation |
|
India |
WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA), where applicable |
|
South Korea |
RRA / KC certification |
|
Japan |
MIC radio certification |
|
South Africa |
ICASA type approval |
Depending on the product, these markets may require additional certification, registration, local testing, or regulatory labeling.
FCC certification and CE compliance do not automatically provide worldwide market authorization.
Can Existing FCC and CE Test Reports Be Reused?
Yes—and this is where manufacturers may be able to save significant time and money.
Many international certification schemes allow existing technical documentation to support country-specific approvals, including:
- FCC RF and EMC test reports
- CE RED and EMC test reports
- IEC safety test reports and CB Scheme certificates
- Technical specifications and supporting product documentation
However, acceptance varies by country. Some authorities accept foreign test reports, while others require additional documentation, supplementary evaluations, or in-country testing.
The goal is to maximize the value of existing test data rather than unnecessarily repeating testing for every market.
Planning to Enter More International Markets?
Understanding country-specific certification requirements before launching a product can make a significant difference in your budget and timeline.
For manufacturers looking for a practical reference, Nemko offers the Global Market Access Handbook, covering market-entry requirements for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment across more than 50 countries.
The handbook helps manufacturers and compliance teams better understand the regulatory considerations that can affect certification costs, documentation, and market-entry planning.
Explore the requirements before committing to your next international product launch.
Explore and Order Nemko's Global Market Access Handbook
Why Plan FCC, CE, and Global Certification Together?
For manufacturers preparing to launch products internationally, coordinating testing and certification requirements early can offer important advantages:
- Reduce unnecessary duplicate testing and certification expenses.
- Identify country-specific requirements before testing begins.
- Improve the likelihood that existing reports can support international approvals.
- Simplify regulatory documentation and product labeling.
- Better align certification timelines with international product launches.
Whether you're developing a new product or expanding into additional markets, early regulatory planning can help minimize unexpected costs and delays.
How Nemko Supports FCC, CE, and Global Market Access
At Nemko, we support manufacturers from initial testing and compliance planning through international market entry.
Our services include:
- FCC testing and certification support: EMC and RF/wireless testing for applicable U.S. requirements.
- CE compliance testing: Supporting applicable EU requirements, including EMC, Radio Equipment Directive (RED), and electrical safety.
- Global type approval and homologation: Identifying and coordinating country-specific certification requirements.
- Test report evaluation: Assessing existing FCC, CE, and other technical reports for international acceptance.
- Global certification planning: Developing coordinated testing and approval strategies to support international product launches.
Through Nemko's international network of laboratories and regulatory specialists, manufacturers can access coordinated testing, certification, and Global Market Access services.
Have Questions? Connect With Nemko's Experts
Wondering whether your existing FCC or CE reports can be used for international type approval?
Explore our Ask a Nemko Expert series for practical guidance.
You can also meet Nemko specialists at our upcoming Compliance Without Complexity events:
- Irvine, California — December 8, 2026: Event details and registration
- Austin / Round Rock, Texas — December 9, 2026: Event details and registration
From FCC and CE Testing to Worldwide Market Access
When a manufacturer tells me their product already has FCC certification and CE marking, my next question is:
“Which countries are you planning to sell in?”
The right global certification strategy depends on your target markets, product specifications, and existing compliance documentation.
Whether you're preparing for FCC and CE testing or expanding internationally, Nemko can help identify an efficient path to certification.
